Get ALL the updates!

The Hydration Summitwas a month long content explosion about hydration, hydration systems as well as the dangers of dehydration and untreated water. Much of the Summit revolved around the major hydration systems on the market including GeigerRig, CamelBak, Platypus and Osprey (and a few more were mentioned as well). We had 15 popular outdoor bloggers sharing their expertise and experience as it relates to hydration in the outdoors. The result of this grand experiment was an amazing collection of stories, reviews and instructional articles that all of us who spend time in the backcountry would find useful.

The reservoir comparison review required that I actually have all four of the systems I was to review (clearly). I had all but the Platypus, so I purchased the Platypus for the review.

The abridged version of my review:

The Platypus reservoir is a top-opening design with a Zip-Loc style closure. The reservoir is clear and has measurement markings along the side to allow you to gauge the fill capacity. The drink tube is connected with a quick-coupling valve, the same valve used by all of the other major brands (which subsequently allows you to swap tubes if you prefer the drink tube and bite valve from another brand). The top-opening design, we all determined, was the easiest for filling and cleaning the reservoirs. I did not use the nozzle (bite valve) but I have heard from others that it is their favorite and one of the easiest to drink from. For more info on the nozzle, check outPaul’s article here.

This specific Platypus was the 70 oz (2.0 L) Big Zip SL Reservoir. It retails for about $33.

Since I have many (MANY) more reservoirs that I could ever need, I am going to give this one away!

I will be giving this away with all the original packaging. The reservoir is USED as it has had water in it and has gone through some very mild abuse in testing it’s durability and functionality for the review. The drink tube and nozzle has never even been attached to the reservoir (I removed it as soon as I brought it home). I will ship the reservoir as soon as I confirm the winner. Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. THANKS!a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Hydration Summit has wrapped up Week 2 of some dynamic conversation about the health, science and gear revolving around the subject of hydration. Last week I did a wrap up of all the articles from Week 1, so this week will get the same treatment! I hope you guys have been following along, if not…what are you waiting for??

June 11th –

I kicked off Week 2 with an article describing the signs and symptoms of waterborne illness and discuss the importance of staying hydrated. Check out the article for some tips to mitigate the symptoms and an easy Oral Rehydration Solution.

June 12th –

Amy delves in to the question of whether or not a pressurized hydration system is all it’s cracked up to be. She discusses the pros and cons of dealing with a pressurized system in the field. It certainly has some benefits, the ability to spray water under pressure can be useful. But is it really easier, or better, when you just want a drink?

Brian also posted his article comparing filtering techniques. He offers up the question: Would you rather drink water from the source or pump your water and carry it? The technology exists to carry a small, direct use filter that would allow you to stop at any spring, stream or river for a quick drink without having to lug all that water around. But what about those of us that don’t usually have the opportunity to hike near reliable water sources? Check out Brian’s article and make sure you read the discussion that follows.

June 13th –

The famous Katie Boué had the opportunity to discuss hydration with one of the leading experts in the field. She interviews John Seifert of Montana State University who has been studying hydration and it’s related fields for nearly 3 decades. Katie talks with John about hydration and how it effects bodily processes. It seems like such a simple thing, but it’s amazing how much water (or the lack of water) governs how our body and mind functions.

June 14th –

Our resident Camp Mom, Tiffany, posted her review of the GEIGERRIG Hydration packs and talks about teaching kids to share using a pressurized system. She talks about using the spray-system with her kids to wash cuts, cool down, clean up and hydrate.

Gumption Ryan made a good showing as well with a huge comparison of hydration enhancing supplements. He touches on the importance of hydration and what dehydration can do to you. Then we get a candid discussion of many of the gels, liquids, powders and tablets available to make hydrating easier and more flavorful. See which products he personally believes has the Gumption to get the job done.